Mitacs Accelerate Defence and Security Call
Sponsor’s Website
Visit the Mitacs website for more information on the Accelerate Defence and Security Call.
Deadlines
| Deadline | Date |
|---|---|
| Call for applications opens | June 1, 2026 |
| Internal submission deadline | August 7, 2026 |
Overview
Mitacs has launched a new Accelerate Defence and Security Call in support of Canada’s Defence Industrial Strategy. This initiative is delivered in collaboration between Mitacs and Canada’s Department of National Defence.
Canadian researchers and innovators with partner organizations on applied, mission-relevant research and development are called to advance innovation in strategic areas identified as sovereign capabilities, such as:
- Aerospace
- Arctic sovereignty
- Digital systems (AI, quantum, cyber)
- In-service support
- Personnel protection
- Quantum science and technology
- Sensors
- Space
- Specialized manufacturing
- Training and simulation
- Uncrewed systems
The Mitacs Accelerate Defence and Security Call is a standalone application and cannot be leveraged with the joint NSERC-Mitacs program or other funding programs.
Key Highlights
- This is a competitive call. All applications will be assessed by Mitacs and undergo external peer review, with funding decisions determined by a panel. Applicants will be notified of outcomes once the review and processing period is complete (expected by early November 2026).
- The call will be delivered through the Accelerate program and feature enhanced funding per internship unit (IU) for master’s and PhD students ($20,000 per IU) and postdoctoral fellows ($25,000 per IU).
- A project can run up to two years and include as many as 30 IUs. Interns must be identified at the time of application for a minimum of 50% of the internships in the project, while no more than 50% may be listed as to be determined.
- All applications will be reviewed based on the quality, feasibility and eligibility criteria for Mitacs Accelerate, as well as project impact and alignment with Canada’s Defence Industrial Strategy.
- Frequently Asked Questions
Eligibility
Visit the Mitacs website for more information on eligibility to apply.
Information Session
Webinar: Advancing Canada’s Defence Innovation Mobilizing Talent and Partnerships
Submitting Your Application
- Submit an internal Approval Form through our central awards management database cuResearch. Consult the user’s manual for guidance.
- Please contact Mitacs advisor Rachel Sung to express interest in this call.